As reported by just about every Chicago Bears beat writer, Bears rookie defensive end Shea McClellin has been cleared to practice this week and to play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. No word on how much the Bears will play their young DE, but he passed his baseline concussion tests and is medically cleared.

UPDATE: John "Moon" Mullin from Comcast Sports is reporting that McClellin hasn't been cleared to play in the game.

UPDATE: ESPN Chicago's Michael Wright is reporting that both Cutler and McClellin are only cleare dto practice.

Both have to finish the week of practice asymptomatic before they're cleared to actually play in a game.

The Bears will need all hands on deck to slow down the NFLs leading rusher Adrian Peterson, and to get after Christian Ponder when he is forced to throw.

The importance of this game is elevated with the Packers and Vikings both coming off wins last week while Chicago dropped a game to the 49ers. As the NFC North currently stands, the Green Bay Packers at 7-3, sits atop the division. Chicago also 7-3, is one game ahead of the 6-4 Vikes.

A Bears loss on Sunday will drop them all the way to 3rd in the NFC North, and even further down the jumbled NFC Wildcard race.